Scanner : holiday gift guide

Today in WTF: Planned Parenthood Gift Certificates

Brian Fairbanks — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:18:00 GMT

Who the hell wants to get someone a Planned Parenthood gift certificate?

What purpose do they serve besides stirring up the hornet's nest that is the anti-abortion movement?

Planned Parenthood of Indiana, Florida, and Illinois have launched the holiday gift of the century, the perfect gift for that girlfriend you've been trying to get on the pill or... or what? Honestly, we can't think of a single person in our lives that could conceivably be receptive to this.

"Oh, thanks, Brian... now I can get that abortion I've always wanted... you cheap bastard."
"Hey, thanks, dude. Now I can finally afford just a single month's supply of birth control pills for my girlfriend. It will be totally fine to go back to having unprotected sex when the certificates run out, right?"
"Oh, honey, you shouldn't have. No, really, you shouldn't have. Your father and I threw up when we opened this."

Apparently, according to a Planned Parenthood in Indiana, these are a tremendous success already, though God knows why. Planned Parenthood isn't even promoting them on their website and the media only just started covering this story after dozens had been sold at each locations. Even they don't know how to market something like this-- although, it should be said, that we are 100% in favor of easy access to birth control... just maybe in better taste than this. After all, would you get someone a box of condoms for Christmas? Kind of tacky.

And, of course, the batshit crazies are already out in droves. Stop Planned Parenthood is already all over this one with their completely off-base claim that this is an attack "on the Christian community at Christmastime."

Huh? You know what, pass me that form, I'm ordering one of these and sending it to Stop Planned Parenthood as a gag gift...

Photo via WISH-TV.

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Merry Christmas... From the KKK?

Brian Fairbanks — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:43:00 GMT

What does that look like to you?

You wouldn't be the first to say: "burning cross." However, as Gizmodo points out, it's actually a 210-LED light holiday cross from the American Family Association and not at all affiliated with the KKK. Not at all...

As the season for joy nears, people are already getting ready for their Xmas lighting decoration. And if you are a store manager at the American Family Association, that means a burning cross in your doorstep. Because nothing says "Let's celebrate Jesus' birthday" better than the symbol of his dead in glowing LED glory, 210 of them. [Gizmodo]

Who the hell came up with this? Doesn't the AFA focus group all their new products? Wait, never mind... the problem is that they probably did market test this cross and it was give the A-OK by Middle Americans...

More scariness here.

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Holiday Gift Guide: IOU

Alex Zalben — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Let’s be honest: It’s easy to forget when Christmas is. Is it the second Tuesday of December this year? Maybe it’s in January? Or maybe it’s one of those years where we don’t celebrate Christmas*. It’s difficult to remember, and then, of course, the day sneaks up on you, and you don’t have any presents.

With most stores closed the day before, and you clearly panicking**, it’s time to break out the trustiest tool in the gift-giver’s book***: an IOU.

Since we’re being honest here, you’re fighting an uphill battle with an IOU, so there’s a couple of tips and tricks to remember that will turn your IOU into an IOHWOW****!

Make it Nice: Make sure your IOU looks nice, neat, and composed. Clearly, you haven’t put enough thought into things to get a gift, but try to get a nice card, and write your IOU neatly and thoughtfully.
Make it Personal: To that end, still include something personal to the person you’re giving an IOU to. Don’t just hand them an open ended IOU, like “IOU… Something… Dude.” Again, clearly you’re not thoughtful enough to remember them until you started heading out to their house, but try very, very hard to think about the things that they like.
Make it Vague: Do they like theater? Then make it an IOU for “a night out at the theater.” Again, you don’t know this person very well to not get them an actual gift*****. This way, you don’t have to remember what show they actually like, and you’re also not committing to $300 tickets to go see Young Frankenstein. Remember, “Free Shakespeare in the Park” is still “theater.”
Make it Funny: End of the day, regardless of what the IOU is for, people aren’t stupid. They know you forgot to get them a gift, and are going to be mildly bummed. The above items will help, but be sure to introduce a healthy dose of humor, whether it’s at your own expense (“Me? Forget something?”), or a good joke on the card. This will, at least, get them laughing, which is a positive response, which will make them forget that they hate you. Psychology!
Make it Not “One Free Massage”: Seriously. I don't care how good everybody says your massages are, it’s played out, and it’s creepy, especially if it’s for your family members. Unless, I guess, you’re a professional masseuse. But that’s the one exception. Otherwise, cut it out, dudes.

And that’s all you need to know! Hopefully, you won’t need any of these tips, but if you do, best of luck, and Happy Holidays!

*Or maybe you’re Jewish, like me.

**How do I know? You’re reading Nerve.com on Christmas Eve, clearly you’re panicking about something.

***Don’t pick out the rustiest tool; that’s creepy.

****I’m getting paid to do this, right?

*****Yes, I know we’re probably talking about your Mom.******

******These asterisks are getting out of control.

Holiday Gift Guide: Nothing Says 'Merry Christmas' Like a Last-Minute Magazine Subscription

Wendy Atterberry — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:00:00 GMT

If you've waited until the last minute to finish your Christmas shopping, it's too late to buy online, and the thought of fighting crowds at the stores this afternoon makes you crave Makers Mark on the rocks, stat, have no fear. Since a magazine subscription can't be wrapped and placed under the tree anyway, your recipient never has to know you saved him or her for last. For highly literate, midbrow, culture fiends, you really can't go wrong with any of these great magazines: Believer (focusing on books and writers), RADAR (focusing on pop culture, politics, scandal, and style), Stop Smiling (for a limited time, buy one subscription, get a free one for yourself), and Time Out (city guide for residents of Chicago, New York or any of the other 120 International Time Out cities).

Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates! This will be my last Gift Guide post since, well, Christmas is tomorrow, but if you want more ideas for completely frivolous ways to spend your money all year long, join me at my site Awesome, where I blog everyday about awesome shit you really don't need, but oughtta get anyway.

Holiday Gift Guide: Messenger Bag

Wendy Atterberry — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:00:00 GMT

If you're an urban dweller, you probably already know the necessities for daily life and getting around: comfortable shoes, good coffee, and a cool messenger bag. Girls can get away with purses for carrying their makeup and money and whatnot, but add a couple books and magazines into the mix for subway reading, and a purse just may not cut it. And guys definitely need a messenger bag. Even if they've got a girlfriend with a purse, I can tell you from personal experience, we do not have any extra room in there for your crap! Get your own bag! Or better yet, ladies, get your man a bag, like this one, which is all masculine raw rugged leather (Amazon, $140) . And guys? Get your lady a pretty bag like this olive green vinyl number with mint stitching (GreenergrassDesign, $68) and maybe, just maybe, she can manage to find room in there for your keys.

Holiday Gift Guide: Skinny Lighter

Wendy Atterberry — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:00:00 GMT

Offering someone a light with one of these stylish stick lighters sure beats passing a book of matches or a cheap drugstore childproof lighter. After all, to be banished outside for a smoke is one thing, to be banished without the proper accessories is just embarrassing. A perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite smoker (including the potheads). (Fitzsu, $28)

Holiday Gift Guide: Puzzle Alarm Clock

Alex Zalben — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Here’s the perfect passive-aggressive present for the person on your gift list who can’t be bothered to meet you anywhere on time: a Puzzle Alarm Clock.

This nifty little gadget has an easy four piece puzzle attached to the top of it. Easy, that is, until it fires the pieces in the air when the alarm rings, and the only way of getting it to stop ringing is by putting the puzzle back together. Say goodbye to the snooze button forever after purchasing this little baby; it just won’t be worth it.

The Puzzle Alarm Clock costs $97, but if time is money, think about how much money you’ll be making not having to wait for your now cranky, but awake friend? (Bim Bam Banana)

Holiday Gift Guide: A Cylon To Call Your Own

Alex Zalben — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Excuse me while I nerd out on you for a little bit, but Battlestar Galactica is one of the best TV shows ever, and I think pretty much anyone who watches it will agree. In fact, I don’t think anyone who’s actually watched the series would think otherwise.

Do you have that friend, though, who’s taken their love of the show to the next level? Have they started saying “frak” instead of cursing? Did you find them absently mindedly humming “All Along the Watchtower?” Were they also really disappointed in Bionic Woman, but kept watching it to play “Catch which BSG actor they’re using this week?”

Then why not help them take their addiction to the next level, with a life-size Cylon from Sideshow Collectibles?

Yes, you can outfit their apartment with fine-art, books, or, you know, furniture. Or, they could have a seven foot tall statue of an evil murderous robot, that will scare the crap out of them at three in the morning when they stumble home from the local Sci-Fi Convention*.

And if that wasn’t enough, the LEDs in the Cylon’s visor work, so there will always be a sneaking suspicion that Sideshow is actually making Cylons, and just waiting for the right moment to activate them for their world-wide takeover.

You can pick one up for your “friend” for $7900. Or, a cheaper option ($5-$20), check out Hasbro’s line of Battlestar standees, perfect for cubicles, and slightly less likely to kill. (Sideshow Collectibles) (Hasbro)

*”Battlestar isn’t Science Fiction, it’s Science Speculation. GOD!”

Holiday Gift Guide: Penis Pokey

Wendy Atterberry — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

What's the holidays without a little family fun? Sure, you've got Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary, and MadGab to keep you busy after the gifts are open and brunch has been served. And then you've got Penis Pokey. A full-color illustrated board book with large cut-out holes on each page where one thing is missing--a "banana, perhaps, a fire hose, or a sea serpent. Male readers can complete the illustrations using the talents God has given them." For female readers, I guess there's always our tongues. If the thought of watching your father or brother complete the photos with their God-given talents creeps your out, you might want to save this one for your New Year's party. Nothing like bringing in 2008 with lots of full frontal. (Amazon, $9.95).

Holiday Gift Guide: Bi-Polar Doormat

Wendy Atterberry — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:00:00 GMT

This awesome doormat is perfect for the bi-polar people on your list. When they're manic, they can position the doormat to read "Come in," and everyone can go inside and have lots of crazy fun. And when they're depressed, they can simply turn the doormat around to the "Go Away" side and everyone will know to immediately turn around and run! From UnicaHome, which offers overnight, 2-day and 3-day shipping for all you last-minute shoppers. ($27.50)

Holiday Gift Guide: J. Shoes

Wendy Atterberry — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:00:00 GMT

Ladies, you know how you're always bitching at your man to clean up his style and ditch those worn-out sneakers already? Well, now it's your chance to make that happen! Get him a pair of J. Shoes for Christmas and make both of you happy in the process. He'll love that they're comfortable and cool looking, and you'll love that they're clean and cool looking. Buy them at Bluefly and save up to 56%. ($40-$95).

Holiday Gift Guide: Rain Gear

Wendy Atterberry — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Like bills, taxes, heartbreak, and gas, rain is just one of those inevitable unpleasant things in life. Luckily, unlike those other unavoidables, rain provides the perfect opportunity to look cute while jumping in puddles. Accessories like these fun, colorful rainboots (Plueys, $55) and rosebush umbrella (FinnStyle, $40) can even make one look forward to a few drops from the sky. I think I can safely say, though, that there's nothing that will have the same effect on gas.

Holiday Gift Guide: Personal Submarine

Alex Zalben — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:00:00 GMT

Oh, rich people. Always inventing fabulous ways for yourselves to die, aren’t you?

Here’s a brand spanking new one, though, and the perfect gift if you have $1.5 million and absolutely nothing to do with it*: a personal submarine from Neiman Marcus.

Long known as “that place with the over-the-top Christmas gifts,” ranging from a tiger covered in diamonds (seriously), to a private concert with Elton John (also, seriously, but not quite as ridiculous), this year’s gift is an underwater vehicle for one. Here’s the unfortunate news: it’s totally awesome.

Whereas you can probably do without His & Her Mummy Cases (I’m just going to get it out of the way, and say that I’m not making any of these up; they’ve all been Neiman Marcus Christmas Gifts in the past), the NM Gem Triton 1000 is a heart-breakingly cool little machine. It dives to 1000 feet, has 360 views in your little air bubble, is air-conditioned, and comes with two days of training included. Also, there are leather seats, and a gemstone encrusted steering joystick. Because no one will be impressed with your personal submarine if it isn’t encrusted with gemstones.

On the off chance that multi-millionaires aren’t reading this gift guide, there are other options for the undersea enthusiast in your life, including Atlantis Adventures, submarine tours running in Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Guam. Trips cost between $50 and $100, depending on the location. And though you’ll be saving about $1,499,900, you will have to ride with other people. So I guess, weigh your options? (Neiman Marcus) (Atlantis Adventures)

*Though you could always donate to a good cause. May I suggest “Habitat for Nerve Guest Bloggers?”

Holiday Gift Guide: Tumblers

Wendy Atterberry — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:00:00 GMT

There are plenty of things that go well with a cold beer: New York style pizza, making out, a second beer. Somehow though, it's all just a little bit better when the beer is served in a great glass, like these tumblers made from recycled Mexican Sol' bottles. Then again, you can stick to a lame glass and just wait for the fifth beer for everything to get a bit better... (Elsewares, $32)

Holiday Gift Guide: Wi-Fi Detector Shirt

Alex Zalben — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:00:00 GMT

Here’s the perfect gift for the signal-hunter in your life: The Wi-Fi Detector Shirt. This completely washable t-shirt (as long as you remove the included battery pack) will show you how strong the wi-fi signal strength is in the area near his chest for up to three hours a charge, and is sure to make him the hit of any party. Did I say party? I meant, “park.”

You can pick one up at Think Geek (purveyors of all the finest geek paraphernalia) for only $29.99, plus your dignity.

Holiday Gift Guide: Colorful Scarf

Wendy Atterberry — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:00:00 GMT

Most of us hate cold weather and merely tolerate winter because we have no choice. There are some things that make December - March more tolerable, though:

a warm body to cozy to
or even a lukewarm body will do
potluck dinner parties
with plenty of wine
or skip the dinner and just have the wine
a warm, colorful, stylish scarf wrapped around the neck gypsy-style (UrbanOutfitters, $24)

Holiday Gift Guide: Marshmallow Shooter

Alex Zalben — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Now here’s a practical gift the whole family can enjoy, combining two of humankinds favorite things: warfare, and marshmallows. The Marshmallow Shooter, winner of the 2006 and 2007 Creative Child’s Magazine Top Toy of the Year*, takes mini-marshmallows, and turns them into delicious weapons of mini-destruction.

The basic Marshmallow Shooter holds 25 mini-marshmallows, and will shoot them at high speeds an astonishing thirty feet. I hope it’s with pin-point accuracy, otherwise my I really shouldn’t have put my cup of hot cocoa on the other side of the room.

The delightfully named Marshmallowville also has a number of other shooters, including their insane looking new line of bows. You can check out all of the action at their website, as well as a handy store locator. The basic Marshmallow Shooter model will cost around $25, so be sure to pick one up for the giant kid in your life. (Marshmallowville)

*Though, let’s be honest: how creative they be if they couldn’t think of a new Top Toy in 2007? Honestly, Creative Child Magazine, I’m disappointed in you.

Holiday Gift Guide: Coasters

Wendy Atterberry — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:00:00 GMT

Let's talk coasters, shall we? They're a timeless sort of gift that break gender and age borders and are universally needed. People never seem to have enough of them, mostly because one set usually only has 4 coasters, so if you live with one or two people and you have more than a couple of guests at one time, someone is going to go without, and that is a bad thing. A very bad thing. So coasters are a good gift. A practical gift. But that doesn't mean they can't be fun! Here are a few options for various "types" on your holiday list: international beer coasters for the beer snob (Etsy, $3), birds 'n trees for the whimsical one (wishingfish, $20), records for the music lover (UncommonGoods, $18), blue henna for the dreamer (Loft Party, $35), and razor wire for the urbanite (Etsy, $15).

Holiday Gift Guide: Crosley Director CD Recorder

Alex Zalben — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Here’s the perfect gift for your non-DJ friend who’s still stuck on vinyl: The Crosley Director CD Recorder.

This little baby is a record player, a CD player, a tape player, and has an AM/FM radio. PLUS, it’s also a CD Burner, so you can actually take your tapes and records, and burn ‘em to CDs. You know, because CDs are going to be around for so much longer.

Crosley has a number of other models available in a wood color that’ll match your furnishings. Because you live in a log cabin, right caveman? FYI, none of the models play 8-tracks. The Director CD Recorder will cost you $299.99, with other models ranging from $99.99 to $399.99. (Crosley)

Holiday Gift Guide: Modern Day June Cleavers

Wendy Atterberry — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Women of the 70's may have burned their bras and aprons and lipgloss and who knows what else, but modern women, or post-post modern women, or whatever you want to call us have re-embraced our feminine sides. We're hanging out in the kitchen and we like it *. And we're even happier in there when we've got pretty stuff to look at, use, and wear like these dish towels ($14-18), oven mitts ($7.95-$14), and aprons ($28-$38) from Anthropologie.

* Okay, not all of us like hanging out in the kitchen. In fact, some of us would rather stick our tongues in an electric mixer than use one to bake cookies, but that doesn't mean we don't still appreciate pretty towels and stuff. After all, we want nice things to look at when we go rummaging through the kitchen drawers looking for our favorite take-out menu.

Holiday Gift Guide: Not Your Grandma's Wallet

Wendy Atterberry — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

A wallet might seem like the kind of gift a grandmother would give her grandson for Christmas, but unless Ol' Grandma is hip on modern design trends, I promise she's not giving away any of these for the holidays: db clay wallets are like little pieces of art that can be carried in a back pocket everyday ($48-$85); J. Fold sports wallets are sleek, stylish, and super durable to endure extreme wear and tear (Amazon, $60); this one's made with duct tape, so you know it'll come in handy if the recipient ever needs to execute super MacGyver moves (UncommonGoods, $20).

Holiday Gift Guide: iBoxer

Alex Zalben — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Coffee Makers? Donut Trucks? Is this Nerve.com, or lame-os.com*? I thought so. Then it's time to get all sexy up in this Gift Guide, don’t you think?

Without further ado, what more perfect gift than iPod Underwear for the holidays. It’s the present that says, “I like music, but I’m totally hot for you. Also, I hope you already have an iPod.”

From Play (which actually spells their letter “A” with a play sign, but I’m too lazy to figure out how to code the webding for that) comes two different versions: iBoxer for Men, and iBoxer for Women.

These 93% cotton, 7% spandex boxers come in a variety of colors, are available for under $20, and sport a nifty little pocket big enough to hold an iPod, cell phone, or snacks**.

And they’re so sexy, you’re going to want to rip them right off your Special Friend. But don’t do that, because if they’re listening to an iPod from their pants, they have their earbuds in, and ripping ‘em out is gonna hurt like a mofo.

The Play website has a handy guide to find out where you can pick these up in person, or online. And, most places I checked out are having a sale on ‘em for the Holidays, so why not pick up a pair for your music obsessed sweetie today? (Play Underwear)

*Not an actual website.

**Crazy idea: This may be a way better place to store your contraceptive of choice than your wallet. Not to defeat the point of this post or anything.

Holiday Gift Guide: Sony HDR-SR5C

Alex Zalben — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:00:00 GMT

To say I would like an HD camcorder with built in hard drive is an understatement*. I covet one with an intensity that puts Christian Bale’s acting to shame. But not his abs. Dude is jacked.

For those of you who do a fair amount of video editing, you know that one of the biggest problems is keeping track of, and logging tape. I have a huge pile of film just staring at me, daring me to spend several hours doing the most boring task imaginable. This is why television networks hire people whose sole job is to log footage: no one else will do it.

So, it is with holiday cheer that I tell you Sony is currently running a special on the HDR-SR5C, a 100GB Hi-Def Camcorder. For $219 off, you get the camcorder, a case, a battery, and a remote control tripod. The whole bundle will cost you $1,300, which is about how much the camera costs separately. Free stuff! Cool!

Just in the interest of journalistic integrity, the HDR-SR5C isn’t quite up to the level of most HD cameras… The image quality is a bit lower, and there are some annoying features, such as the space saving but finicky touch screen controls. Plus, you have to use a supplied dock to attach to your computer; there’s no USB or Firewire port in the camera itself.

However, you can’t underestimate the appeal of an entry level HD camera that won’t set you back $4,000. And, there is that hard drive thing.

I might just have to get myself one… (Sony Style)

*When we say “Gift Guide,” we mean “Things you guys are buying for me,” right? Right? Guys?

Holiday Gift Guide: Lacie Golden Disk

Alex Zalben — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:00:00 GMT

Repeat after me: I’ve got a golden hard drive. I’ve got a golden hard drive!

Okay, doesn’t quite work (I was going for a little Willy Wonka tuneage, in case that wasn’t clear), but it does serve as a nice introduction to the latest drool-worthy hard drive from Lacie.

For those of you not familiar, Lacie makes some of the most stable external hard drives available. I own four (!) external desktops, and a small portable, and so far they’ve never failed me*.

Most of Lacie’s drives pimp the brushed metal Mac style, and for your tech-savvy friends, that’s all fine and good. But for the ostentatious Donald Trump wannabe in your life, nothing says bling like a big gold brick to store their files.

But wait Alex, you say. How much is this Golden Disk going to set me back? Well, fake person I made up to talk to, it’s actually remarkably inexpensive. Because, you know, it’s mostly not gold. You can pick up a 500GB drive for only $189, or a 1TB for $499.99. That’s actually, in the world of external hard drives, kind of a steal.

Under the hood, we have good news, and bad news. The good news is that this baby is compatible with Macs and PCs, is fanless (so no noise), and sports a 7200rpm drive, which should be more than fast enough to send as many “You’re Fired,” e-mails as your Trump-friend-stand-in wants. The bad news is, this is a USB only drive, no Firewire. So video editing is out, as is filling up your 500GB in less than a day. (Lacie)

*…he said as he doomed himself.

Holiday Gift Guide: Urban Beauty Survival Set

Wendy Atterberry — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:00:00 GMT

With "all the beauty essentials you need to survive in the urban jungle," the Urban Survival Set is perfect for, you guessed it, the urban glam girl. Featuring an assortment of the popular Urban Decay's best-selling products in travel sizes, the set can be thrown into a clutch bag and pulled out between office and dinner, dinner and the bar, and the bar and after-party. Hell, it can even be discretely used the next morning before the walk-of-shame home. All it's missing is advil for the hangover. (Sephora, $42)

Holiday Gift Guide: Make 'Em Laugh

Wendy Atterberry — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:40:00 GMT

Let's face it, the holidays can be a really crappy time for some people. They have a way of magnifying all the shit that's wrong in our lives: unemployment, dysfunctional family, love handles, depleted bank account, no sex in months, nose hair. I mean, God, it's all just so depressing, so why not give a gift that'll make 'em laugh, like the complete first series of the hilarious Flight of the Conchords ($23.99). Even if the music, lyrics, and dialogue weren't funny enough to keep me watching, there's the added bonus of Jemaine's luscious, pillowy lips.

And if comedy records are more their thing, there's one thing that is a definite must-have. With 9 CDs, including a disc of previously unissued material, the Richard Pryor box set will keep them amused for at least a day or two, which is a day or two they won't have to think about how depressed they are, so score! (Amazon.com, ($49.97)

Holiday Gift Guide: Dart Coat Darts

Wendy Atterberry — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:45:00 GMT

Sure, darts are a fun bar game--especially when the pitchers are halfprice and the jukebox is loaded with all your favorites, but their usefulness doesn't end there. Darts also make great stir tabs, hardy poster tacks, and with the addition of screw tips, very convenient wall-mounted coat hooks! A great stocking stuffer for the person who needs a bit of encouragement keeping tidy. (Elsewares, $34)

Holiday Gift Guide: Levitating Hover Scooter

Alex Zalben — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:45:00 GMT

I’m going to try and actually post a few things people can, you know, afford after this, but holy crap, who wouldn’t want a Levitating Hover Scooter for the Holidays?

Hammacher Schlemmer, of “Wow, I don’t need that, but I want that” fame has released a vehicle that is simultaneously more awesome, and dorkier than the Segway. Essentially, it’s a giant disk that floats over ground that you ride at 15 miles an hour. And it floats. Did I mention that you’ll be floating through the air?

It is pretty large, so it’s probably not for those of us with a tiny NYC apartment, but for those of you who live in the ‘burbs, it’s the perfect thing for the guy on your list who likes to float around the neighborhood while walking the dog.

Finally, you’ll almost be able to live out your Back to the Future 2 fantasies (no, not the one about the Sports Almanac). (Hammacher Schlemmer)

Holiday Gift Guide: Daily Grind

Wendy Atterberry — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:45:00 GMT

Somehow, my gyne and dentist appointments, boring meetings, and interviews for gigs I know I won't get seem a tad more tolerable when I'm scheduling them in a cute planner like this one from poketo ($17), which comes with monthly, weekly, address, list, and blank pages, as well as pockets to store receipts, business cards and the like. A great gift for the person always on the go who needs something with a little more personality than your average planner from Office Max.

Of course, some people prefer to keep track of schedules on a wall calendar. For the modern art lover, this moon phase calendar from the MoMA Design store is hot ($17). How about an award-winner, like this one by Herman Yu, featuring 12 original botanical images (Rare Device, $33), or this beautiful--and popular--handmade calendar from Creative Thursday ($35)?

Holiday Gift Guide: A Little Bling

Wendy Atterberry — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

So you want to give your girl some jewelry this Christmas but you have no idea where to begin. I'm sure she's probably been dropping 2-ton hits left and right, but you've failed to pick up on them. I get it, it's a guy thing. We start talking about jewelry, cramps, and Brad Pitt and you immediately tune us out. All the more reason to do right by us with some pretty bling. She may not forget about that naked ring finger on her left hand, but these other options are bound to please long enough to buy you a little time: fauna goldfish necklace (Paraphernalia, $17), delicate stainless steel etched rose earrings (Rare Device, $30), flying birds bracelet (I love blocks, $35), silver inlay ebony wood necklace (Broxup Jewelry, $64), colored resin necklace and earrings set (Metals Girl, $84), colorful satellite ring (Anne Kiel Jewelry, $91).